The Gardeners of Simsbury & The Simsbury Land Trust: Why We Need Nature

Protecting our brains and protecting nature are vitally important for our long-term well being. These two goals are mutually-reinforcing, and benefit individual and community health. Evidence for the brain health benefits of nature span across ages and abilities, and range among immediate changes in brain activity, improved cognition and emotional regulation, and decreased depression and anxiety. The good news is people want more nature, and these health benefits do not require a wilderness trip - they can be achieved here, in small doses, in our communities. Access to places dedicated to our natural heritage provides a powerful common solution to challenges in climate, ecology, and health - especially mental health. In addition to practical information on brain health, the presentation will feature results of a public opinion survey and underscore how history, science, and fiscal responsibility can work together to inform public policies.

Susan A. Masino, Ph.D. is the Vernon D. Roosa Professor of Applied Science at Trinity College and on the Open Space Committee in Simsbury. She is also the Hartford County Coordinator for the Old Growth Forest Network. Her recent scholarship focuses on the power of wild nature to mitigate climate change, support communities, and protect the health of all species. Dr. Masino will be joined by Chelsea Armistead, a Trinity College graduate, current Tariffville resident, early child educator, and research associate on a public opinion survey about Southern New England.

This presentation is cosponsored by the Gardeners of Simsbury and the Simsbury Land Trust.